Journalist

박세진
Dunyo Information Agency.
  • US and Iran arrive in Islamabad as Hormuz deadlock threatens global energy supply
    US and Iran arrive in Islamabad as Hormuz deadlock threatens global energy supply SEOUL, April 11 (AJP) - Iranian and American delegations arrived in the Pakistani capital on Saturday for a summit intended to end their six-week war, though the specific timing of the first session remains unannounced as mediators attempt to resolve a last-minute impasse over Iranian preconditions. While both teams have checked into the Serena Hotel, the high-security venue where the negotiations are set to occur, officials from the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that a formal plenary session has not yet commenced. The meeting occurs under a proximity format, a diplomatic arrangement where mediators shuttle between separate rooms to avoid direct confrontation before a baseline agreement is reached. This distance reflects the fragility of the peace process, which began following the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on February 28 and the subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz. For Washington, the priority is the immediate and unconditional opening of that waterway, which handles 20 percent of global petroleum transit, while Tehran views its control of the strait as a primary bargaining chip to secure the lifting of economic sanctions. The lead negotiator for the United States is Vice President JD Vance, a former senator who has become the administration's chief diplomatic envoy for the conflict. He is joined by special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, representing the White House’s attempt to bypass traditional State Department channels in favor of a personalist approach. Upon his departure for Pakistan, Vance warned that the American team would not be "receptive" to delays or tactical maneuvers by the Iranian side. Representing the Islamic Republic is Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, the speaker of the Iranian parliament and a veteran of the Revolutionary Guard who has assumed a central role in the nation’s wartime leadership. Before arriving in Islamabad, Qalibaf stated that negotiations would not begin in earnest unless Washington accepted certain "preconditions," including a ceasefire in Lebanon and the immediate release of frozen Iranian assets. Iranian state media has emphasized that their 70-member delegation includes technical experts in banking and energy, signaling a focus on concrete economic concessions. The conflict, which the Trump administration dubbed Operation Epic Fury, has severely disrupted global supply chains and sent oil prices to their highest levels in four years. In the weeks of active combat, American and Israeli airstrikes targeted Iranian nuclear sites and military infrastructure, prompting Tehran to mine the Strait of Hormuz. The current two-week ceasefire, brokered by Islamabad, has provided a temporary reprieve, but the threat of a return to hostilities persists if the current summit fails to produce a breakthrough. A central point of contention remains the status of Iran’s nuclear program. Washington is demanding a "total blockade" of Iran’s path to a nuclear weapon, seeking terms that go beyond the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) which the first Trump administration exited in 2018. Tehran, meanwhile, has proposed a 10-point plan that calls for the recognition of its right to enrich uranium and the payment of "war reparations" through an international investment fund. Pakistani security forces have placed the capital on strict lockdown, with thousands of police and paramilitary personnel guarding the "Red Zone" surrounding the hotel. While the Iranian delegation arrived on Friday evening and Vance’s team landed early Saturday, the "proximity" of the negotiators has yet to translate into a face-to-face meeting. Technical teams from both sides are currently reviewing the logistical details of the maritime ceasefire and the verification protocols required to ensure the safe passage of merchant vessels. The current truce is scheduled to expire in twelve days. 2026-04-11 09:56:05
  • KMU professor identifies gut-liver mechanism for diagnosing and treating fatty liver disease
    KMU professor identifies gut-liver mechanism for diagnosing and treating fatty liver disease SEOUL, April 09 (AJP) - Professor Kwak Min-jin at Kookmin University's Department of Forest Biomaterials Engineering has identified how gut microbes and their secretions affect metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), the prominent university in Seoul said Thursday. The study, which introduces a high-precision diagnostic technology using extracellular vesicles (EVs), was published in the international journal Pharmacological Research. Fatty liver disease caused by metabolic imbalance is a growing concern in South Korea and across the globe. MASH is a critical stage of the condition that requires active management before it can progress to more severe issues like liver cirrhosis or liver cancer. Because current diagnostic methods often rely on invasive procedures like liver biopsies, there has been a steady demand for non-invasive strategies based on the interaction between the gut microbiome and the liver. Using animal models for longitudinal analysis, the researchers tracked the changing roles of specific gut microbes as MASH develops. The study found that the bacterium Romboutsia hominis increases as the disease progresses, worsening fat accumulation and inflammation in the liver through the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) signaling pathway. In contrast, the bacterium Akkermansia muciniphila and its derived EVs were found to reduce liver fat accumulation. This effect is achieved by suppressing the expression of genes associated with fat synthesis. The research is significant for demonstrating that EVs released by bacteria can cross the intestinal barrier to directly regulate liver metabolism. The team also developed a machine-learning diagnostic model that combines gut microbial data with blood information. This model demonstrated the potential to screen for MASH non-invasively with an accuracy rate exceeding 90 percent. Such technology could eventually be expanded into next-generation diagnostic services that manage liver health using stool or blood samples. The findings offer a new approach that targets both the diagnosis and treatment of liver disease by precisely interpreting the link between the gut ecosystem and liver health. KMU researchers are expected to continue their work in the bio-health sector to further refine these diagnostic and treatment technologies. 2026-04-09 16:21:39
  • South Korea dispatches chief of staff as Astana readies for regional summit
    South Korea dispatches chief of staff as Astana readies for regional summit SEOUL, April 09 (AJP) - South Korea sent its presidential chief of staff to Central Asia on Wednesday to secure attendance for an inaugural regional summit, moving to lock in vital energy and logistics access. The diplomatic push bypasses traditional military and economic alliances. Instead, the strategy builds directly on an ideological framework established seven months ago during a global interfaith congress, illustrating how modern statecraft increasingly relies on spiritual backchannels to navigate gridlocked global markets. According to a readout from Akorda, the official website of the President of Kazakhstan, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev accepted a formal invitation from Kang Hoon-shik, the special representative for South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, to attend the first Central Asia-South Korea summit in Seoul this September. Securing the inaugural summit The bilateral dialogue highlights a shift in how industrialized economies secure their supply chains. Kang conveyed congratulations regarding a recent constitutional referendum before the discussion pivoted to expanding contacts in the energy and transport sectors. "Your visit is of great importance for the further strengthening of Kazakh-Korean interaction," the Kazakh president told the envoy, adding: "I am confident that through joint efforts, cooperation between our countries will continue to develop steadily." The spiritual groundwork The foundation for Wednesday's agreements was laid last September when delegations from 60 countries gathered for the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. Facing an era defined by hybrid warfare, Astana used the summit to produce the Astana Peace Declaration 2025. The Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism operated as a crucial diplomatic vanguard for South Korea. Venerable Jeong-beom, acting on behalf of the order's president, Venerable Jin-woo, offered Seon meditation as a practical foundation for international peace. Venerable Mun-jeong participated in a specialized youth forum. The monastic delegation established the baseline bilateral trust required for subsequent negotiations over hard economic assets. Navigating global markets The September congress deliberately sidestepped theological debates to address the ethical management of artificial intelligence and the moral imperative of combating climate change. The host nation proposed establishing an Interreligious Commission on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence. This created a shared humanistic framework that now supports ongoing technological and academic exchanges between the two governments. Embedding these shared values into the broader regional format ensures South Korea's Central Asian strategy is fortified by more than just transactional resource extraction. The synthesis of technological responsibility and cultural dialogue shields the strategic partnership from the volatility of conventional geopolitical rivalries. The IX Congress is scheduled to be held in Astana in 2028. 2026-04-09 10:08:28
  • KAIST researchers and Nobel winner David Baker develop AI protein sensors for cortisol
    KAIST researchers and Nobel winner David Baker develop AI protein sensors for cortisol SEOUL, April 09 (AJP) - Researchers in South Korea have successfully used artificial intelligence to design proteins that can detect specific chemicals, including stress hormones, through a collaboration project between the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology and 2024 Nobel laureate David Baker from the University of Washington, the prominent South Korean science institute said Thursday. The study demonstrates a way to create functional biosensors from scratch, a process known as de novo design. Unlike previous methods that relied on modifying proteins already found in nature, this artificial intelligence-driven approach allows scientists to build custom proteins for specific tasks, such as medical testing or environmental monitoring. Specifically, the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) team created a protein that selectively identifies cortisol, a hormone closely linked to stress levels. By turning this protein into a working sensor, the researchers addressed a long-standing technical hurdle: designing proteins that can recognize small, complex molecules with atomic-level accuracy. The technology could eventually lead to new tools for early disease diagnosis by spotting biomarkers in blood samples. It also has potential applications in the real-time monitoring of air and water quality or the development of more targeted medical treatments. To design the proteins, the team developed an AI model that accounts for how amino acids interact with different chemicals. They tested the model by designing six different types of proteins for various drugs and metabolites, verifying the results through laboratory experiments and crystal structure analysis. Lead researcher Lee Kyu-ri joined the KAIST Department of Biological Sciences in February 2025 after working as a staff scientist in the Baker laboratory in the United States. She now leads her own protein design lab, focusing on creating artificial enzymes, sensors, and RNA-recognition proteins. The research was highlighted during a visit by David Baker to the KAIST campus on Thursday. "This research experimentally proves that we can use AI to design proteins that precisely recognize specific compounds," Lee said. "We plan to expand this technology to various fields such as disease diagnosis and the development of new drugs." The project was supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) through the InnoCORE program. This initiative is designed to help South Korean researchers collaborate with global experts on advanced AI technologies. KAIST President Lee Kwang-hyung noted that the collaboration with David Baker resulted in a significant achievement for AI-based protein design. The university currently manages several research units focused on aerospace, manufacturing, and drug discovery under the InnoCORE program. (Reference Information) Journal/Source: Nature Communications Title: Small-molecule binding and sensing with a designed protein family Link/DOI: https://bit.ly/4srcGAi 2026-04-09 09:42:50
  • Viet Nam readies financial hub pivot as Hanoi targets high-income status
    Viet Nam readies financial hub pivot as Hanoi targets high-income status SEOUL, April 08 (AJP) - Viet Nam has secured 10 billion dollars in initial investment commitments as it formally launched a dual-hub international finance center, marking a decisive shift from its decades-long reliance on low-cost manufacturing. The project, which anchors operations in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, signals the most significant economic restructuring since the Doi Moi reforms of the 1980s. This pivot toward the Viet Nam International Finance Center (VIFC) represents a strategic gambit to escape the middle-income trap that has historically stifled developing economies. By establishing specialized zones, Hanoi aims to modernize its economic architecture and position itself as a sophisticated, technology-driven alternative to established regional nodes. The strategy operates on a one-center, two-hub model designed to leverage the distinct geographic and economic strengths of the nation. Ho Chi Minh City, the commercial engine of the south, is designated as the primary gateway for international capital. Development is concentrated in the Thu Thiem district, which will house investment banks, private equity firms, and venture capital outfits to facilitate cross-border transactions and initial public offerings. In contrast, Da Nang is positioned as a center for green finance and technological innovation. The coastal city will host regulatory sandboxes for fintech, blockchain, and financial artificial intelligence. This division of labor allows Hanoi to target emerging sectors such as renewable energy projects and environmental, social, and governance funds, carving out a niche in the global market. Rather than attempting to replicate the traditional models of Singapore or Hong Kong, officials are pursuing a leapfrog strategy centered on digital assets and the data economy. To attract global institutional players, the government has introduced Decree 323 and Decree 324, which grant the VIFC unprecedented levels of autonomy. These frameworks mandate the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards and Basel-compliant risk supervision to ensure institutional stability and transparency. Fiscal incentives for the project are among the most aggressive in Southeast Asia. Priority ventures in fintech, semiconductor technology, and green finance are eligible for a 10 percent corporate income tax rate for 30 years. Other qualifying projects will receive a 15 percent rate for 15 years. To address the need for specialized labor, the state has introduced a golden visa program providing up to 10 years of residency and personal income tax exemptions for international experts. The initiative arrives as global investors seek to diversify portfolios amid shifting supply chains in Asia. South Korean conglomerates and financial institutions in Seoul, which have historically treated the country as a manufacturing base, are now evaluating expanded roles in the burgeoning services sector. The 10 billion dollars in early investment pledges are primarily directed toward aviation finance and digital data infrastructure. The Ministry of Planning and Investment continues to finalize the technical implementation of the regulatory sandbox for digital asset trading. For global investors, participating in the VIFC represents more than just simple market expansion; it signifies entering the early stages of a mid-to-long-term growth cycle. At this current juncture, as the institutional framework, infrastructure, and financial ecosystem are taking shape in earnest, institutions that establish a preemptive presence will secure a strategic advantage. This early entry will allow them not only to secure prime locations and forge key partnerships but also to lead in establishing market standards. The core message from Viet Nam's senior leadership is clear. Rather than relying on the outdated approach of competing directly with established, traditional financial hubs, the goal is to build a "smart, digital, and green" financial center rooted in Vietnam's unique strengths. This mindset demonstrates both confidence and a pragmatic perspective. Instead of simply replicating the models of Singapore or Hong Kong, Viet Nam has chosen a strategy that integrates digital technology, green finance, fintech, artificial intelligence (AI), and the data economy right from the initial stages. This is a highly differentiated approach, characteristic of a "next-generation financial hub" that responds flexibly, openly, and swiftly to global shifts. 2026-04-08 15:17:10
  • Pyongyang launches ballistic missile as military posture persists despite diplomatic opening
    Pyongyang launches ballistic missile as military posture persists despite diplomatic opening SEOUL, April 08 (AJP) - North Korea fired a ballistic missile into the East Sea on Wednesday, marking the second consecutive day of weapons testing and signaling that military provocations remain a cornerstone of its regional strategy. The launch follows a reported failure on Tuesday and comes at a volatile moment in inter-Korean relations, effectively dampening hopes for a de-escalation after a rare moment of rhetorical civility between the two capitals. The back-to-back launches disrupt a brief window of diplomatic curiosity that emerged after South Korean President Lee Jae Myung expressed regret over the infiltration of drones into northern airspace. Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, responded to the gesture by quoting her brother’s description of the president as a bold and honest man. However, the kinetic reality on the peninsula suggests that while Pyongyang may appreciate a change in tone from Seoul, it has no intention of pausing its march toward advanced strike capabilities or altering its official designation of the South as a primary hostile state. The Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed the Wednesday morning launch but provided few immediate details as intelligence officials in Seoul and Washington began analyzing the flight data. The move appears to be a direct follow-up to an attempted launch from the Pyongyang area on Tuesday, which South Korean authorities believe ended in failure shortly after liftoff. Such rapid-fire testing is often utilized by the North to verify technical corrections after a setback, ensuring that its missile programs maintain a credible threat profile regardless of the political climate. This cycle of weaponry follows a period of heightened friction. The drone incident, which Pyongyang claimed was a violation of its sovereignty, had initially brought the two nations to the brink of a tactical exchange. The subsequent apology from Lee Jae Myung was seen by international observers as a pragmatic attempt to lower the temperature, a move that Kim Yo-jong’s statement appeared to validate. Yet, the presence of projectiles in the sky less than twenty-four hours after that statement suggests a calculated duality in northern policy. The persistent testing underscores the geopolitical reality that the North has largely abandoned the pursuit of reunification in favor of a two-state doctrine. By continuing its weapons program even after a diplomatic olive branch, the regime demonstrates that its military objectives are decoupled from the fluctuating moods of the Blue House. For Washington, the launches serve as a reminder that the peninsula remains a primary flashpoint, regardless of the domestic political shifts within Seoul. The South Korean military has maintained a heightened state of readiness since the first launch on Tuesday. Officials in Seoul indicated that they are closely monitoring further movements in the North, particularly as the regime often uses these windows of tension to test the resolve of the alliance between the United States and South Korea. The Joint Chiefs of Staff stated that the military is maintaining a full readiness posture while sharing information related to the North Korean launches with American authorities. 2026-04-08 11:12:26
  • New York students explore Seoul through Kookmin University urban mission
    New York students explore Seoul through Kookmin University urban mission SEOUL, April 08 (AJP) - A group of New York City high schoolers navigated the crowded streets and historic landmarks of Seoul on April 4, as part of a competitive cultural exchange hosted by Kookmin University, the prominent institute in Seoul said Wednesday. The program, organized by the university's HUSS Global Coexistence Project Group, challenged 24 students from Bronx Prep and Democracy Prep Endurance high schools to complete an "Amazing Race" style mission alongside local university mentors. The initiative moves away from traditional sightseeing in favor of global service-learning, a model Kookmin University (KMU) uses to teach the Korean language and culture through direct social interaction. By teaming up to solve real-world problems, the participants focused on the practical side of cross-cultural communication. The day began at the KMU campus, where teams plotted routes using Seoul's public transit system to reach major sites like Insadong, Cheonggyecheon, Gwanghwamun, and Gyeongbokgung Palace. Under a three-hour time limit, students had to use their Korean skills to complete specific tasks, such as buying traditional snacks and navigating specific checkpoints, effectively turning the city into a sprawling classroom. KMU student supporters acted as peers rather than traditional tour guides, working with the visitors to bridge language gaps and strategize their movements. This collaborative approach allowed both the American and Korean students to build the rapport and intercultural skills necessary for global citizenship. Lee Dong-eun, Vice Director of the HUSS Global Coexistence Project Group and a professor in the School of Korean Language and Literature, highlighted the educational value of this hands-on approach. "This program is significant as a field-based international exchange where Korean and American youth communicate and cooperate through the medium of Korean language and culture," Lee Dong-eun said. "I hope the students gained an educational experience in realizing the values of global coexistence by making their own decisions and solving tasks within the given conditions." The university intends to build on this success by deepening its ties with international schools. "We plan to continue expanding student-led international exchange programs in connection with overseas educational institutions to foster global talent capable of building a peaceful and sustainable global community," Lee Dong-eun added. The HUSS Global Coexistence Consortium—a partnership between Kwangwoon University, KMU, Sun Moon University, Yeungnam University, and Honam University—has been operating since 2024 with backing from the Ministry of Education and the National Research Foundation of Korea. The group is dedicated to training students to handle complex global issues regarding sustainability and international cooperation. 2026-04-08 10:34:21
  • Turkish police neutralize three gunmen as Istanbul attack targets financial district
    Turkish police neutralize three gunmen as Istanbul attack targets financial district SEOUL, April 07 (AJP) - Turkish security forces killed three gunmen in a high-stakes shootout outside Yapi Kredi Plaza in Istanbul, on Tuesday, thwarting what authorities described as a treacherous assault on the heart of the metropolitan commercial district. The engagement, which left two officers with minor injuries, marks the most direct threat to the financial hub of Besiktas since the regional security environment fractured in late February. This disruption of the status quo on Buyukdere Street signals an aggressive shift in militant tactics as instability from the nearby conflict begins to penetrate the nation's primary economic corridor. The incident began when the assailants, who traveled from the neighboring province of Izmit in a rental vehicle, opened fire on police units stationed near the plaza blocks. The Minister of Interior Mustafa Çiftçi confirmed that investigators have identified the suspects, noting that one maintained ties to a group that exploits religion, while another, a member of a pair of brothers involved in the cell, had a prior criminal record involving narcotics. Istanbul Governor Davut Gul characterized the daytime gunfight as a provocative act aimed at the stability of the city. This security breach arrives as the Eastern Mediterranean grapples with a series of shocks stemming from the war in Iran, which escalated following the initiation of major combat operations on February 28. Since the start of the hostilities, the region has seen a marked increase in militant activity and cross-border tensions that have rattled markets from Washington to South Korea. While Seoul has focused on the safety of energy corridors, Ankara has been forced to bolster its own urban defenses against the ripple effects of the Iranian conflict. The targeting of a major landmark in Istanbul is viewed by security analysts as a direct consequence of the heightened regional friction triggered by the ongoing combat operations to the east. "In the treacherous attack carried out against our police officers on duty in front of Yapı Kredi Plaza Blocks in İstanbul, three assailants were neutralised," said Burhanettin Duran, the presidency's head of communications. Duran emphasized that the "swift and decisive response" of security forces prevented a potentially larger catastrophe. "This heinous attack will never undermine our faith or determination in achieving our goal of a 'Terror-free Türkiye' and a 'terror-free region'," he added, asserting that the state would continue its fight against all threats and provocations with steadfast resolve. Justice Minister Akin Gurlek assigned a deputy chief prosecutor and two assisting prosecutors to oversee the multi-faceted investigation into the cell's origins and potential handlers. Forensic teams remained at the scene to collect ballistic evidence and process the rental vehicle used in the transit from Izmit. Coordination between the prosecutor's office and law enforcement units continues as they attempt to identify potential local support networks associated with the neutralized gunmen. 2026-04-07 22:06:48
  • Washington expands metal tariffs as weight thresholds trigger new duties
    Washington expands metal tariffs as weight thresholds trigger new duties SEOUL, April 03 (AJP) - Washington upended the global household appliance market Thursday (local time) by imposing a flat 25 percent tariff on metal-intensive goods, a move that places South Korea’s leading exporters in a defensive crouch just as a separate pharmaceutical trade wall begins to rise. The new policy, anchored in a Section 232 national security justification, targets any finished product where steel, aluminum, or copper accounts for more than 15 percent of the total weight, a threshold that effectively encompasses the vast majority of premium refrigerators and washing machines exported from Seoul. The fallout is immediate for South Korean brands, which currently command a combined 35 percent share of the American home appliance market. By replacing a fragmented system of duties based on raw material value with a blunt 25 percent tax on the final retail price, the White House has fundamentally altered the math for high-end manufacturing. A flagship French-door refrigerator with a $3,000 price tag now faces a $750 import penalty, a cost that threatens to erase the competitive margins Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics have spent a decade securing. According to data from market research firm Trackline, LG Electronics currently holds a 24.3 percent share of the American refrigerator sector, a position now vulnerable to this sudden shift in trade costs. This pressure on consumer goods arrives alongside a parallel shock in the biotechnology sector. While the United States has moved to impose a 100 percent default tariff on patented pharmaceuticals to dismantle foreign medical dependencies, South Korea has managed to secure a preferential 15 percent rate. This narrow reprieve is the result of the bilateral trade agreement reached in July 2025, which designated South Korea as a trade deal country. However, the path to a zero percent tariff is strictly conditional; Seoul must agree to onshore production facilities and adopt Most Favored Nation pricing to fully escape the duty. For manufacturers in South Korea, the 15 percent weight threshold on appliances creates a technical dilemma that cannot be solved through simple logistics. Most modern laundry and kitchen units rely on steel chassis for durability, meaning that to avoid the 25 percent metal derivative tariff, companies would have to fundamentally redesign their product lines or move their entire assembly operations to American soil. While Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics already operate significant manufacturing plants in South Carolina and Tennessee, those facilities do not yet have the capacity to replace the high-volume imports arriving from overseas hubs. The 180-day grace period offered to smaller firms provides little comfort to these conglomerates, which must reconcile their global production schedules with a July 31 compliance deadline. The White House maintains that these measures are necessary to prevent what it describes as gamesmanship by foreign exporters who have historically underreported the value of metal components. By shifting to a weight-based calculation, Washington is attempting to close loopholes that allowed finished goods to bypass the broader steel and aluminum tariffs of previous years. This effectively forces South Korea to choose between maintaining its domestic industrial base and keeping its share of the American consumer market. The new tariff regime on metal derivatives and pharmaceutical products is scheduled to take official effect on April 6, 2026. 2026-04-03 15:03:50
  • KAISTs student team qualifies for global Mars rover finals in Utah
    KAIST's student team qualifies for global Mars rover finals in Utah SEOUL, April 03 (AJP) - A team of undergraduate students from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (in South Korea has reached the final stage of the world's largest Mars rover competition. This is the first time a team from the university has qualified for the final round of the international event that is designed to spotlight rovers capable of carrying out missions in environments that are similar to Mars. The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) said Friday that team MR2, part of the student robotics club Microrobot Research (MR), secured a spot in the 2026 University Rover Challenge (URC). The team is advised by KAIST's Department of Mechanical Engineering Professor Park Yong-hwa. The URC is an international engineering contest organized by the Mars Society. It takes place at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) in Utah, where the desert environment closely resembles the surface of Mars. Participating students must design and build rovers to complete tasks involving life detection, equipment maintenance, and autonomous driving. A total of 116 university teams from 18 countries entered the preliminary rounds of the competition this year. KAIST MR2 earned 95.38 percent on their evaluation, placing them among the top 38 teams invited to the finals. The result highlights the design and control capabilities of the South Korean undergraduate researchers. The team's rover, named GAP-1000, is a modular vehicle built to operate in extreme conditions. It features a robotic arm with six joints, which allows it to move with a level of flexibility similar to a human arm. This design enables the rover to lift objects weighing more than 5 kilograms and perform delicate repairs on machinery. The vehicle also features an advanced navigation system that combines high-precision satellite positioning with sensors that track the rover's movement and wheel rotation. This allows the GAP-1000 to find the most efficient paths through rocky and difficult terrain without human intervention. A drone relay system ensures the team can maintain a communication link with the rover even when it travels behind obstacles. For its scientific mission, the rover uses a drill to collect soil samples from 10 centimeters below the surface. An onboard laboratory uses chemical tests and light analysis to check for proteins and other biological signs of life in real time. The system is designed to provide immediate feedback on whether a sample contains traces of living organisms. "We handled everything from the initial design to the final production ourselves, and though we faced many challenges, we are happy to be the first team from our school to make it to the finals," said student leader Jeong Myeong-woo. He added that the team will focus on final preparations to ensure a strong performance in the United States. Professor Park Yong-hwa said it was impressive to see the students independently develop a rover for such a harsh environment. He noted that the competition serves as an opportunity to showcase South Korean technical expertise to a global audience. President Lee Kwang-hyung said that having undergraduate students design and build a rover that can compete on the world stage is a significant achievement. He stated that he expects the experience to help the students grow through international competition. The MR2 team consists of 13 students from several departments, including mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and industrial design. The group has finished long-distance testing in outdoor environments and is currently performing final system checks. The finals are scheduled to take place at the MDRS in Utah from May 27 to May 30, 2026. 2026-04-03 09:54:44